These are some of the answers to questions and troubles frequently inquired about by our customers.
If you have any qustions about International Mail, click here.
Products/services
Standard Mail Services (letter,postcard)
- Are all postages tax-inclusive prices?
Yes, they are tax-inclusive prices.
- Can the unused stamps and postcards be refunded?
We do not refund in cash.
However, we exchange items without a contaminated or damaged postage mark (part showing the postage value of the postcard) for a prescribed fee.
- Can the postage stamps attached to letters or postcards be exchanged?
We exchange stamps that are not contaminated or damaged for a prescribed fee.
- Can spoiled postcards be exchanged?
Yes, it can be exchanged. It requires a fee.
[Note]
- Please note that spoiled postcards with soiled or damaged postage marks (part showing the postage value of the postcard) cannot be exchanged.
- Can a spoiled letter pack be exchanged for stamps, postcards or a new letter pack?
Yes, it can be exchanged. The fee is 42 yen.
- Where should you attach stamps?
Please attach postage stamps on the top left on the front of the postal item (on right top for horizontally-long postal items).
- Can postcards be sent with papers stuck to the surface?
Please send after ensuring that they will not come off easily.
[Note]
- Three-dimensional items such as origami cannot be attached
- Paper larger than the size of the postcard cannot be attached
- Paper that can be peeled off (such as stickers to keep information hidden) cannot be attached to the sender's side of a reply-paid postcard.
- Nothing can be attached between the postcard and any attached items, and nothing used to separated these can be affixed.
- Postage stamps other than those used for paying the postage etc. cannot be attached (other than those date stamped for commemoration).
- If it is too thick, it will be handled as a letter requiring different postage.
- Should I draw the boxes for the zip code on home-made postcards?
No, you do not need to.
- Should I use a certain color to draw the boxes for the zip code when making a postcard or envelope?
It should be vermillion or bronze red.
No black or blue ink should be mixed in.
- I heard that you must indicate "postcard" on home-made postcards. Can I indicate so in English?
Yes.
Please indicate "POST CARD."- If there is no indication, it is handled as a letter (first class mail).
- Can you send postal items that are not rectangle-shaped, such as star-shaped, heart-shaped or fish-shaped, as a standard size postal item?
No, you cannot.
Irregular-shaped postal items that are not rectangular-shaped cannot be deposited as standard size postal item, even within the standard size. Please send them as nonstandard size postal items. (Square items must also be sent as nonstandard size postal item because they are not rectangular-shaped.)- Are all items with thickness over 1cm unable to be sent as a standard size postal item?
If the thickness when squeezed lightly is within 1cm, it can be sent as a standard size postal item.
- Can a postcard about 1cm larger than postcards sold at post office counters be sent for 63 yen?
The maximum size of a postcard is 10.7cm x 15.4cm. Postcards larger than this cannot be sent for 63 yen. (It will be either standard size or nonstandard size.)
The size of postcards sold at post office counters is 14.8cm x 10cm.
- Which is preferable for printing a postcard: inkjet printing or standard printing?
The suitable type of postcard depends on the printer used.
- Is the old postcards and envelopes with 5-digit zip code boxes unusable?
You can used them as is. Please write down the sixth and seventh digits under the boxes for fourth and fifth digits respectively.
- Is there any service with which documents or articles can be sent easily?
There is a service called Letter Pack, with which articles can be sent without stamps. Packages of A4 size up to 4kg, also including correspondence, can be sent throughout Japan for a flat rate. Please refer to the relevant link pages.
- Are the counters to deposit postal items and Yu-Pack parcels open at night?
Some counters are open at night.
- The opening hours at the counters of each post office differ. Please confirm with the particular post office.
- Is there a service with which items are delivered also on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays?
There are services with which items are delivered also on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays as follows.
- Express mail
- Delivery time-specified mail
- Registered mail
- Cash on delivery
- Delivery date-specified mail
- Electronic postal mail (Letax)
- Letter Pack Plus, Letter Pack Light
- Yu-Pack (parcel)
- Yu-mail (handled as ordinary items with which tracking information is entered)
- How long are items kept at the delivering post office when the receiver is absent?
They are kept for 7 days. When the items cannot be delivered to the receiver within 7 days, they are sent back to the sender.
- I want to keep a record of sending a postal item at the lowest price possible. Is there any recommended service?
We recommend acceptance-recorded mail.
A special handling fee of an additional 160 yen is charged.
It is a service that records the acceptance of the postal item. It is delivered to the mailbox of the receiver.- Am expecting a postal item to arrive, but it hasn't. Who should I contact?
Please contact the nearest post office. There is an investigation system.
Post offices involved in the process of the postal item are checked, and you are told the result.
Stamps
- Are all postages tax-inclusive prices?
Yes, they are tax-inclusive prices.
- Can the unused stamps and postcards be refunded?
We do not refund in cash.
However, we exchange items without a contaminated or damaged postage mark (part showing the postage value of the postcard) for a prescribed fee.
- I bought too much stamps. Can they be refunded in cash?
We do not refund them in cash.
However, the following services are available for stamps.
- It does not expire and can be used anytime.
- It can be exchanged for other stamps.
- Can New Year's cards and stamps be exchanged at a Yu-Yu counter?
It cannot be exchanged at a Yu-Yu counter.
Please bring to the counter of post office during opening hours.
- Can a spoiled letter pack be exchanged for stamps, postcards or new letter pack?
Yes, it can be exchanged. It requires a fee of 42 yen.
Letter Pack
- Is there any service by which documents or articles can be sent easily?
There is a service called Letter Pack, with which articles can be sent without stamps. Packages of A4 size up to 4kg, also including correspondence, can be sent throughout Japan in flat rate.
- What cannot be sent with Letter Pack?
Letter Packs cannot be sent with valuables such as cash/precious metals, or hazardous materials such as explosives or poisonous/toxic materials inside.
Please also refrain from sending fragile items such as glass, ceramics, or sensitive instruments, or perishable items, living things, or items that are difficult to be replaced, such as art works.- Are all items with thickness over 3cm unable to be sent as Letter Pack Light?
If the thickness of the package when squeezed to an extent that does not cause damage is within 3cm, it can be sent as Letter Pack Light.
- Can the shape of Letter Pack be changed?
Letter Packs with certain processing including cutouts cannot be accepted.
- Should stamps be used when depositing Letter Pack?
You do not need to attach stamps to Letter Pack with the value of 520 yen or 370 yen. Please deposit as is.
Please use the Letter Pack with the value of 510 yen or 360 yen by attaching a 10 yen (It with the value of 500 yen or 350 yen by attaching a 20 yen) stamp.- Can you specify the delivery date of Letter Pack?
No, specification of delivery date is unavailable for letter pack.
Optional service other than acceptance-recorded mail cannot be added to Letter Pack Plus.
Letter Pack Light cannot be used with any optional service.- Can optional services be added to Letter Pack Light?
Optional services cannot be added.
- Can optional services be added to Letter Pack Plus?
Optional services cannot be added.
- Can Letter Pack Plus be dispatched as cash on delivery?
No, it cannot be sent as cash on delivery.
Optional service other than acceptance-recorded mail cannot be added to Letter Pack Plus.- Can Letter Pack be sent overseas?
Letter Packs cannot be sent overseas. It is handled only within Japan.
- Can the spoiled letter pack be exchanged to stamps, postcards or new letter pack?
It can be exchanged for stamps, postcards or a new letter pack. However, it requires a fee of 42 yen.
- Can Letter Pack be purchased with stamps?
No, it cannot be purchased with stamps.
However, stamps can be exchanged for Letter Pack if you pay a prescribed fee.- Is Letter Pack covered by the compensation system?
No, it is uncovered by the compensation system.
Please check the details of the compensation system below.- Can the "sticker to be kept by the client" be peeled off?
Please peel off the "sticker to be kept by the client" before depositing.
Track and trace service is available by using the number shown on the sticker.- Can label stickers be used on the address or sender's space of Letter Pack?
Yes.
Please apply label stickers inside the space.- I have mistakenly removed the delivery certificate of Letter Pack Plus. Can it be deposited as is?
Letter Pack Plus with the delivery certificate peeled off cannot be used.
Letter Pack can be exchanged for postage stamps (including Letter Pack) if you pay a prescribed fee (42 yen).- How is Letter Pack Light delivered?
It is delivered to the mailbox.
If the item does not fit in the mailbox, it is brought back to the delivering post office and a non-delivery notice is left.- How is Letter Pack Plus delivered?
It is delivered to the addressee face-to-face with a receipt seal or signature required.
If the addressee is absent, the item is brought back to the delivering post office and a non-delivery notice is left.- Can you purchase Letter Pack at convenience stores?
Letter Pack is available at convenience stores to which the sales of postages stamps is outsourced under contract with Japan Post Co., Ltd. However, because the lineup of each store varies, some items may not be sold. Please confirm with the store in question or use a post office nearby.
- Can Letter Pack be deposited at a convenience store?
It can be deposited into the post box in or outside the store, if there is one.
- Can Letter Pack be purchased via the Internet?
It is available at the "Stamp Shop", a mail-order site for postal products.
- Is there a service with which items are delivered also on Sundays and holidays?
There are services with which items are delivered also on Sundays and holidays as follows.
- Express mail
- Delivery time-specified mail
- Registered mail
- Cash on delivery
- Delivery date-specified mail
- Electronic postal mail (Letax)
- Letter Pack Plus, Letter Pack Light
- Yu-Pack (parcel)
- Yu-mail (handled as ordinary items with which tracking information is entered)
Yu-Pack (parcel)
- Is Yu-Pack compensated?
It is compensated up to 300,000 yen. If you need compensation of more than 300,000 yen, compensation up to 500,000 yen is available by adding security service.
- Can valuables be sent in Yu-Pack parcels?
They can be sent in Yu-Pack parcels, but when sending valuables designated by Japan Post Co., Ltd., it is necessary to send them as a Security Yu-Pack parcel by additionally paying the security service cost (380 yen).
Please note that when the content is not clearly stated in the article space (such as "diamond"), it may take about 1-4 days more for delivery because it cannot be loaded on an aircraft.- Which label should be used for sending a Yu-Pack parcel with security service added in payment of charges upon arrival?
Only the Yu-Pack label (for payment of charges upon arrival) can be used.
Labels for the payment of charges by sender or for security service cannot be used for payment of charges upon arrival.
- Can the Yu-Pack parcel with security service added be collected?
Yes, it can be collected.
- Will the discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously be applied to Yu-Pack parcels with security service added?
It can be applied to those with charges paid by sender only.
- Is carry-in discount available for Yu-Pack parcels with cash on delivery or security service added?
Yes, it is available.
- Is it possible to add the ID confirmation delivery service to Yu-Pack parcels with payment of charges upon arrival?
No, it is not.
- Is it possible to deliver a Yu-Pack parcel to the destination on the same day?
There is a service called "same-day delivery Yu-Pack."
Yu-Pack parcels accepted by around 12:00 can be delivered by after 17:00 and before 21:00 of the same day of acceptance. However, the area covered by the same-day delivery Yu-Pack service is limited. Please check in advance from the following page.- Can a Yu-Pack parcel be sent as simplified registration?
No, Yu-Pack parcel cannot be sent as simplified registration. Yu-Pack parcels are insured up to 300,000 yen. If you need compensation of more than 300,000 yen, compensation up to 500,000 yen is available by adding security service.
- Is there any service with which documents or articles can be sent easily?
There is a service called Letter Pack, with which articles can be sent without affixing stamps. Packages of A4 size up to 4kg, also including correspondence, can be sent throughout Japan in flat rate. Please refer to the relevant link pages.
- Are the counters to deposit postal items and Yu-Pack parcels open at night?
Some counters are open at night.
- The opening hours differ by the counter of each post office. Please confirm to each post office.
- Is there a service with which items are delivered also on Sundays and holidays?
There are services with which items are delivered also on Sundays and holidays as follows.
- Express mail
- Delivery time-specified mail
- Registered mail
- Cash on delivery
- Delivery date-specified mail
- Electronic postal mail (Letax)
- Letter Pack Plus, Letter Pack Light
- Yu-Pack parcel
- Yu-Packet
- With which services a correspondence can be sent?
You can send correspondence with services other than Yu-Pack, Yu-Mail, Yu-Packet, and Click Post.
- Are there any services with which packages are sent refrigerated?
There is a service called refrigerated Yu-Pack. Yu-Pack parcels are delivered under refrigerated temperature from acceptance to delivery.
For further details, please refer to the page on refrigerated Yu-Pack.
- Are there any services with which golf bags and ski gears can be sent?
There are services called Golf Yu-Pack and Ski Yu-Pack, which deliver golf and ski gear to the golf course or hotels of the ski resort, etc. by the day before use.
For further details, please refer to the page on Golf/Ski Yu-Pack.
- Is there any convenient service with which you can send packages to airports when traveling by air?
There is a service called Airport Yu-Pack, which delivers travel luggage, golf and ski gear to the airport by the day before the departure, and are handled at the designated counter located within the airport. For further details, please refer to the page on Airport Yu-Pack.
- Can payment of charges upon arrival be used with carry-in discount?
Yes, it is available. 120 yen will be discounted from the billing amount to the receiver.
- How can discount for items sent to same address be used for Yu-Pack parcels?
Discount is applied by showing the copy of a label dispatched (within one year) with the same destination address as the parcel to be sent. It is applied only to parcels with charges paid by sender.
The validity period of label to be brought is the same day one year after the deposit. Label already used for discount cannot be reused.
- When using discount for items sent to same address, is it possible to show the delivery notice postcard to use the discount service?
No, it is not available. Discount for items sent to same address is available only when client's copy unused for discount is shown. There is a space to apply a stamp showing the discount is used on the left end of the client's copy.
- Can discount for items sent to same address be applied to Yu-Pack parcels sent to different destination?
No, the discount is unavailable for parcels sent to different destination.
Discount for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously is available for two or more parcels sent to the same destination.
- The receiver has moved, and the former address is indicated on the slip of the Yu-Pack parcel sent before. When sending a Yu-Pack parcel to the new address, is discount for items sent to same address be applied?
No, discount for items sent to same address is unavailable.
- Can round-trip discount be used for ordinary Yu-Pack?
No, it is not available. The round-trip discount is available only for Golf/Ski/Airport Yu-Pack.
- Is discount for Yu-Pack also available at convenience stores?
-
All of the following discounts are available at convenience stores.
Details Amount of discount Carry-in discount Discount is available for parcels carried into the convenient store. 120 yen per parcel Discount for items sent to same address Discount is available for Yu-Pack parcels sent to the same address within one year. 60 yen per parcel Discount for sending multiple items at once Discount is available for sending two or more items with the same destination address at once. 60 yen per parcel - I brought the parcel to the convenience store but was not told that carry-in discount is applied. What happened?
At convenience stores, 120 yen per parcel is already discounted from the shipping fee as the carry-in discount.
(The discount is not shown in the receipt.)- When depositing two or more packages with same address at a convenience store by filling in two labels for the payment of charges by sender instead of fill in in the special label for discount for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously, will the discount be applied?
No, it is not applied. Due to the cash register system of convenience stores, label for the discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously should be used for applying the discount. If two labels for the payment of charges by sender are used for the same destination, please use the Yu-Pack label used for the first parcel to apply discount for items sent to same address to the second parcel. (In such case, the Yu-Pack label for the second parcel can be used for discount for items sent to same address in the future.)
When using discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously, you need to rewrite on the special for the discount.
- Can the Yu-Pack parcel with security service added be collected?
Yes, it can be collected.
- Can Yu-Pack parcels be sent as express mail?
Yu-Pack parcels cannot be sent as express mail.
The service to accept Yu-Pack parcels as express mail was terminated on June 30, 2010.There are also other services as below for sending packages and postal items in a hurry.
Please use as a reference.- Can you pay the postage for Yu-Pack parcels sent with payment of charges upon arrival with stamps?
Yes, you can. Also, stamps and cash can be used at the same time for payment.
- If the receiver rejects to receive a Yu-Pack parcel with payment of charges upon arrival, should the sender pay the shipping fee?
If the receiver does not pay the shipping fee, the shipping fee for the Yu-Pack parcel sent as payment of charges upon arrival is charged to the sender when the parcel is returned.
- Is collection service charged?
Collection service is uncharged.
We accept requests via website or on phone.- When collection is requested, will the package be collected on the same day?
Packages may be collected on the same day or may not be, according to the requested time of day. For further details, please contact the nearest post office in charge of collection and delivery.
- If the collection is requested via the Internet, when will it be collected?
The time of collection can be confirmed with the page of the Internet application for collection.
The hours that can be requested for collection via the Internet differ by zip code, depending on the time required for collection from the location of the accepted branch and collection/delivery center.
The hours that can specified for collection also differ by the time of accepting the request.
There are areas from which the collection request via the Internet is unavailable.- In order to dispatch the package on the same day, until what time it should be collected?
The time of collection that can make for the dispatch on the same day differ by post office. Please contact the nearest post office in charge of the collection of your package.
- Can I ask to bring boxes and labels at the time of collection?
Yes.
However, please request at the time when requesting the collection.
As for the request for collection, please call the exclusive dial 0800-0800-111 (toll-free from both land line and mobile phone), and by pushing the seven digits of zip code, you will be directed to the post office in charge.
* Please note that the hours for accepting collection requests differ by the post office in charge. Please be forewarned.
- When the collection of Yu-Pack parcel is requested, or when it is carried in to a post office, can I ask the parcel to be packaged?
We do not provide services to package parcels. Please package the parcel on your own.
Please also pack the parcels in a fashion suitable for transportation. (It is assumed the parcel is shaken during the transportation with vehicles such as trucks. Please pack in a style suitable for the content such as filling in cushioning materials.)
Also, exclusive packaging products for Yu-Pack parcels are available at post offices.
- Are letters, postcards and packages (Yu-Pack parcels) delivered on holidays?
Delivery of ordinary postal items are unavailable as a general rule, excluding January 1st.
The following postal items, including express mail, registered mail, and Yu-Pack parcels are delivered also on holidays.Domestic International Postal item - Specially treated postal items including express mail, registered mail, cash on delivery, electronic postal mail (Letax), delivery time-specified mail, and delivery date-specified mail
- Specified postage-paid envelope (letter pack)
- Express mail, registered mail and insured ordinary postal item
- Ordinary parcel postal item
- Express Mail Service (EMS)
Parcels - Yu-Pack parcel
- Yu-Packet (including Click Post)
- Specially-handled Yu-Mail
- - What are the specific hours that can be requested for the delivery of Yu-Pack parcels?
Delivery hours can be selected from below.
AM
Around 12:00 - 14:00
Around 14:00 - 16:00
Around 16:00 - 18:00
Around 18:00 - 20:00
Around 20:00 - 21:00- You cannot specify the specific hours such as 9:00 or 12:00. It is delivered within each period of time.
- If the day required for the delivery of a Yu-Pack parcel is "afternoon of the following day," from which time period can the delivery be specified?
"PM (2) 14:00 - 16:00" and after can be specified.
- When preferring "AM" or "PM (1) 12:00 - 14:00," it will be the following day of the arrival. (A day is added to the days required for the delivery.)
- Up to what days in the future from the depositing day can the delivery of Yu-Pack parcel be specified?
Any date within 10 days from the scheduled delivery date can be specified. Other days cannot be specified.
[Example]
If dispatched on January 15, preferred date of delivery can be specified from January 16 to 25 for areas with which the parcels arrive on the following day.- Can a date during the year-end and New Year holidays be specified as the delivery date of a Yu-Pack parcel?
Yes. There is no limitation on the specification of a Yu-Pack parcel delivery date. You can specify a date during the year-end and New Year holidays.
- I want to change the preferred delivery hours of a Yu-Pack parcel that is already sent. What shall I do?
-
- Please contact the post office in charge of the delivery of the Yu-Pack parcel when the sender requests a change of the time and date of delivery.
- It is possible to change the time and date of delivery upon a request made by the receiver up until 24:00 of the day before the delivery date.
Please make a request from this screen for requesting a change of the time and date of delivery.
- Please contact the post office in charge of the delivery of the Yu-Pack parcel when the sender requests a change of the time and date of delivery.
- Can I request for the delivery/redelivery and collection at the same time?
The request cannot be accepted when different drivers are in charge for delivery/redelivery and collection.
Please contact the nearest collection and delivery post office according to the inquiry code number of the package to be delivered.- Can Yu-Pack parcels be sent to a P.O. box?
Yes, they can be sent to a P.O. box.
In such cases, we deliver a notice that there is a Yu-Pack parcel kept at a P.O. box.- Can I check whether a Yu-Pack parcel is being delivered or not?
It is possible to find out whether the Yu-Pack parcel is being delivered to the destination or not.
- When delivering cash on delivery postal items and cash on delivery Yu-Pack parcels, is there a notice call in advance from the delivering post office?
Yes, we make a phone call to the receiver for the "confirmation of the ordered product and preparation for cash to be collected."
- How long will the Yu-Pack parcels be kept at the delivering post office when the receiver is absent?
It is kept for 7 days. When the items cannot be delivered to the receiver within 7 days, they are sent back to the sender.
- Is a label for Yu-Pack required per parcel?
Yes, one label is required per parcel.
However, even if there are multiple parcels, if the destination is the same with charges paid by sender, discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously can be applied. In that case, two packages can be sent with one special label.
- You need to cut off the lowest sheet of the label for discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously and affix to each package.
- Discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination simultaneously and discount for items sent to same address cannot be used at the same time. Discounts for multiple parcels to the same destination are applied.
- I want to send a Yu-Pack parcel anonymously. Is it possible not to write down the information of sender?
We need the information of the name, address, phone number and zip code of the sender in case the item cannot be delivered. When the information is not written down, we may refuse the acceptance.
- Is the phone number of the destination always necessary on the label?
While the phone number is written on a voluntary basis, we recommend to include the phone number in case the item could not be delivered for some reason.
- Should you always fill in the part of the "price of the package" on the new Yu-Pack label?
We recommend to fill in so that we can use the information as a reference for compensation should the packages are damaged.
Please always fill in the declared amount of insured value for security Yu-Pack.- Can the receiver find out how much the shipping fee costs?
Shipping fee is not shown on the label for charges paid by sender. It is known to the receiver when stamps are affixed.
The fee is shown for items sent with payment of charges upon arrival.- How many years are the labels of postal items and packages kept at a post office?
They are kept for a year.
- Is the weight of the label included in the weight of the Yu-Pack parcel to be sent?
No, it is not included. The weight of "Fragile," "Perishable" and other stickers are also not included in the weight of the parcel.
- Can the Yu-Pack labels be reissued?
It is possible to request the re-issuance of a Yu-Pack label (client's copy) when it is lost. Please contact the post office you deposited the parcel. ID verification documents will be necessary.
- Can you send futon (Japanese-style bedding) just by putting inside a futon bag?
In order to prevent damages to the futon bag, we recommend the use of special packaging materials. Also, exclusive packaging products for Yu-Pack parcels are available at post offices.
- Can the wardrobe cases be sent as is?
In order to prevent damages to the wardrobe case, we recommend the use of special packaging materials. Also, exclusive packaging products for Yu-Pack parcels are available at post offices.
- Can several boxes be bound together to be sent as a single package?
If the boxes are strongly bound (for several folds if necessary) so that the package do not become separate or deformed due to the boxes becoming loose or being cut off during the transportation, they can be accepted as a single Yu-Pack parcel.
However, those with a risk of loss/damage when deposited by being bound together, such as skis, cannot be accepted.- How should the size of a Yu-Pack parcel to be sent measured?
The size is decided by the total of length, width and height.
- Can an item with the total of length, width and thickness over 170cm and the weight of more than 25kg be sent?
Packages with a weight of over 25kg and up to 30kg can be sent as a Weighted Yu-Pack parcel.
Golf/Ski/Airport Yu-Pack can be used for parcels over the size of 170cm or the weight of 30kg.
Braille Yu-Pack and Yu-Pack for hearing-impaired can be used for parcels with a weight of up to 30kg.
Please check the details of each service from the following pages.- Is there a minimum limit to the size of a Yu-Pack parcel sent?
- Cylindrical or similar shaped
14cm long, and diameter/minor axis or the like 3cm long - Those with the shape other than as stipulated in 1
14cm long, 9cm wide (postcards size) - Even if the item size is smaller than the above 1 or 2, it can be sent by attaching an address label of size 6cm × 12cm or larger, made of cardboard or cloth with sufficient durability.
- Cylindrical or similar shaped
- How can the size of sphere-shaped or irregular-shaped Yu-Pack parcels be measured?
It will be the total of the longest side each for length, width and thickness (three times the diameter for a sphere, and refer to the figure below for irregular-shaped parcels).
Size:
A + B + C
- What are things that cannot be sent with Yu-Pack?
The following items cannot be handled as Yu-Pack.
1 Explosive, ignitable or other hazardous items
(However, as for alcoholic beverages, it can be handled with the alcohol content up to 70% only as Yu-Pack.)2 Poisonous medicine, deleterious medicine, toxic substance and deleterious substances (excluding those sent by public offices, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacist or business operators handling toxic or deleterious substances) 3 Live pathogen and items found to be including or attaching live pathogen (excluding those sent by public offices, bacteria test laboratories, physicians or veterinarians) 4 Items with which move or distribution is prohibited by law 5 Animals that may cause damaged to human (excluding those sent by or sent to schools or laboratories) 6 Those including personal information 7 Cash - What cannot be transported by air?
The following items are restricted for transport by air according to the "Public Notice Specifying the Transportation Criteria of Explosive Items, etc.
Using Aircrafts" (Ordinance of the Ministry of Transport No. 572 of 1983), in order to ensure the safe flights of aircrafts.
When "items that cannot be transported by air" are included in postal items and Yu-Pack parcels sent to airborne regions (mainly remote areas in Japan), it may take about 1-4 days more for delivery because they have to be sent by means other than aircrafts. Please confirm that these items are not included and specify the content accurately.
For further information, please contact the post office near you.- It may be requested to disclose the content for confirmation.
Please click here for information on international mail
Things that cannot be transported by air
- The following includes items that cannot be sent as a postal item, Yu-Pack parcel, etc.
- Specimens related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) may be transported by air when certain conditions are met.
- "Weapons" including guns and swords cannot be transported by air.
- Electronic devices including lithium batteries and dry ice can be transported by air only when handled as prescribed and sent as a Yu-Pack parcel.
Please fill in the name of the product in specific in the space for describing the content, so that the content can be confirmed.
× Daily necessaries → ○ Clothing, food, CDs
× Miscellaneous goods, small articles → ○ Tableware, ball-point pens
× Sports gear → ○ Racket, uniform
× Camping gear → ○ Tent, sleeping bag
× Diving gear → ○ Wet suit, snorkel
× Present, gift → ○ Game software, necktie- What should be kept in mind when sending lithium batteries as Yu-Pack?
Lithium-ion battery, lithium-metal battery, and electronic devices including these (hereinafter referred to as "lithium batteries, etc.") are restricted for transport by air according to the "Public Notice Specifying the Transportation Criteria of Explosive Items, etc. Using Aircrafts" (Ordinance of the Ministry of Transport No. 572 of 1983).
Japan Post Co., Ltd. also transports by air the Yu-Pack parcels containing lithium batteries, etc. destined to regions where items are sent by air (mainly remote areas in Japan) only when they fulfill the following conditions.
It may take about 1-4 days more for delivery in the case where a predetermined condition is unfulfilled or it is unclear whether they are fulfilled or not.Regions where items are sent by air (airborne region)
Please check for international mail here (PDF:273 kB)
Conditions to transport lithium batteries, etc. by air
Condition 1
The item is sent as a Yu-Pack parcel.
(You cannot send lithium batteries, etc. by air as a postal item [including Letter Pack, Smart Letter], Yu-Mail, and Yu-Packet.)Condition 2
Make judgments according to the handling flow shown in Exhibit 1 (PDF:219 kB) (Japanese Version Only), and the result is "yes" for "whether it can be sent by air." (*1)
Condition 3
"Lithium battery mark (format) (*2) (PDF:169 kB)" (Japanese Version Only), appropriately filled in as shown in Exhibit 2 (PDF:109 kB) (Japanese Version Only) is labeled appropriately on the Yu-Pack parcel.
As for a Yu-Pack parcel that contains only electronic devices from which the lithium-ion battery or lithium-metal battery is removed, or electronic devices that do not incorporate these batteries, please specify "not including lithium battery" in the space for describing the content, together with the product name.
For further information, please contact the post office near you.- Compact vehicle using lithium battery as a locomotive (Segway, hoverboards, etc.) cannot be transported by air even it fulfills the above conditions.
- The former "Lithium batteries handling label" can be also used until December 31, 2018.
- Can you send an oil heater as Yu-Pack?
It can be sent only when unused (it cannot be sent from a convenience store).
Those used even once by putting fuel inside cannot be sent because they include fuel inside and have the risk of contaminating other parcels.
When sent to airborne regions (mainly remote areas in Japan), it may take about 1-4 days more for delivery (because it cannot be transported by air even if it is unused).- Can you send a gas cylinder as Yu-Pack?
Because gas included in a gas cylinder falls under the prohibited goods for mail service, it cannot be sent as Yu-Pack. (Because it falls under the category of explosive, ignitable or other hazardous items.)
- Can you send correspondence in a Yu-Pack parcel?
No, you cannot. However, unsealed attached notes and invoices can be enclosed in a Yu-Pack parcel. Please refer to the following page for details.
Click here for items that fall under the category of correspondence.
- Can you send fireworks as Yu-Pack?
As for fireworks, because they fall under "explosive items," including commercially available toys, they cannot be sent as Yu-Pack.
Should a Yu-Pack parcel containing fireworks be accepted and loaded on an aircraft, this will be a violation of the Civil Aeronautics Act. Never put fireworks inside a Yu-Pack parcel.
- Can you send cash together with a package (Yu-Pack parcel)?
The service to accept cash together with Yu-Pack parcels terminated from July 1, 2010.
Please send as currency registration.[Registered mail charges]
- 435 yen with the amount of insured value of up to 10,000 yen.
- 10 yen is added by every 5,000 yen insured value over 10,000 yen.
- The limit of the insured value is 500,000 yen.
- Can you send alcoholic beverages as Yu-Pack?
Those with alcohol content up to 70% can be sent as Yu-Pack.
As for postal item, Yu-Mail, and Yu-Packet, only those with alcoholic content of less than 60% can be sent.
However, when sent to airborne regions (mainly remote areas in Japan), the delivery of alcoholic beverages with alcoholic content of over 24% with a size of 5 liters or more per container (inflammable liquid) may take about 1-4 days more for delivery, because they cannot be transported by air.
Therefore, for Yu-Pack parcels, please fill in the space for describing the content as below. For postal items, please provide the following information to the post office staff when sending.Airborne regions are as follows.
How to specify the product names for items sent to airborne regions and what is to be declared
Beverages with alcohol content of 24% or less
Please specify the "name of the alcoholic beverage and the fact that its alcoholic content is 24% or less," such as "shochu (alcohol content of 20%)."
- When it is clear that the alcoholic content is 24% or less according to the Liquor Tax Act, for instance beer, Japanese sake, and wine, you do not need to specify the alcoholic content.
Beverages with the alcohol content of more than 24%
Please specify the "name of the alcoholic beverage and the fact that its alcoholic content is more than 24% but 70% or less (60% or less in the case of a postal item), and the fact that the size per container is less than 5 liters," such as "whiskey (alcohol content of 45%, 0.7l x 3 bottles)."
- Can you send a live animal as Yu-Pack?
Small animals such as fish, reptile, insects and small birds can be sent as Yu-Pack if it fulfills the following conditions.
- Those found to be healthy
- Those that do not require treatments such as feeding or watering
- Those that do not give off odor
- Because it is not specially treated (in terms of temperature [room or water temperature] adjustment, ventilation [securing ventilation], etc.), those with which the client gives consent to the risk of death
- Those packaged to prevent escaping or the leakage of excretion
- Those sent for a short distance* (only for small animals such as small birds)
- Those without the risk of causing damage to human
- Those sent for a short distance means those that do not go through other controlling post offices on the way of transportation or those sent within the same prefecture.
Examples of live animals that can be sent as Yu-Pack
Type Animal Fish and shellfish Japanese spiny lobster, Japanese tiger prawn, sea bream, horsehair crab, abalone, oyster, scallop, goldfish Reptiles Tortoise, soft-shelled turtle, lizard Insects Larvae and adults of Japanese rhinoceros beetle, larvae and adults of stag beetle, Japanese katydid, cricket Birds Pigeon, parakeet Transporting live animals by air
When the types (not shown as "insects" but specifying the type such as "cricket") and number (approximate number is sufficient) are not shown clearly, the parcel cannot be loaded on an aircraft, so it may take about 1-4 days more for delivery.
- Can you send cylinders for diving as Yu-Pack?
Cylinders for diving cannot be accepted regardless of whether the air is filled or not.
- The company to which the transportation of Yu-Pack is consigned does not load cylinders on ships because of the risk that the possibility of being a hazardous item according to the High Pressure Gas Safety Act cannot be denied. Therefore, it causes inconvenience to our customers such as being sent back to the user or it takes time for delivery. Thank you for your understanding.
- Which label should be used for sending Yu-Pack parcel with payment of charges upon arrival?
Only the Yu-Pack label (for payment of charges upon arrival) can be used.
Labels for the payment of charges by sender or for security service cannot be used for payment of charges upon arrival.- Are there many conditions to be cleared when sending mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. as Yu-Pack?
-
Lithium-ion battery, lithium-metal battery, and electronic devices including these (hereinafter referred to as "lithium batteries, etc.") are restricted for transport by air according to the "Public Notice Specifying the Transportation Criteria of Explosive Items, etc. Using Aircrafts" (Ordinance of the Ministry of Transport No. 572 of 1983).
When sending mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. using a lithium-ion battery or lithium-metal battery to the regions where items are sent by air (mainly remote areas in Japan), it may take about 1-4 days more for delivery in the case where a predetermined condition is unfulfilled or it is unclear whether they are fulfilled or not.
For further information, please check the following pages or contact the post office near you.- Please be forewarned that there may be cases where mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. cannot be transported by air even if they fulfill the predetermined conditions.
Airborne regions are as follows
What should be kept in mind when sending lithium batteries as Yu-Pack?
- Do post offices collect fire extinguishers?
Yes. Please contact below for collection in advance.
Hatsuta Seisakusho Co., Ltd (HATSUTA Eco-Cycle Center)
Tel: 0120-822-306
[Opening hours] 10:00 - 12:00, 13:00 -17:00- Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and company holidays designated by the company
- Can you send a package with the weight of just 25kg?
Packages weighing 25kg or less after packaging can be sent as a general Yu-Pack parcel.
Packages with a weight of over 25kg and up to 30kg can be sent as a Weighted Yu-Pack parcel by adding 510 yen or 520 yen by size and destination address area to the basic shipping fee.
Please refer to the following pages for details.- From which convenience stores can Yu-Pack parcels be sent?
It can be sent from convenience stores affiliated with Japan Post Co., Ltd.
Affiliated convenience stores
- Lawson
- Ministop
- Seicomart
- Lawson Store 100 (only within Fukuoka Prefecture from May 20, 2013, and throughout Japan from June 1, 2013)
- What are the types of Yu-Pack services available at convenience stores?
- General Yu-Pack (charges paid by sender, payment of charges upon arrival)
- Golf/Ski/Airport Yu-Pack
- Special treatment (security service, cash on delivery, refrigerated delivery, addressing conversion) cannot be used.
- Post-payment of postage, payment of postage by the use of franking machine and sending by affixing stamps are unavailable.
All shipping fees presented at convenience stores are already applied of carry-in discount (120 yen per parcel) (the discount is not shown on the receipt). - Weighted Yu-Pack parcels cannot be handled at convenience stores. They are handled only at post offices.
- Can you pay the postage for Yu-Pack parcels with stamps?
Yes, you can. Also, stamps and cash can be used at the same time for payment.
However, payment with postage stamps is unavailable at convenience stores.- I accidentally dropped in an item other than postal items inside the post box installed in a convenience store. What shall I do?
Please contact the post office in charge of the collection indicated on the post box.
The convenience store does not have the key of the post box, so they cannot open the post box.- Is it possible to claim compensation for any contaminated, wet or damaged postal items?
Yu-Pack parcels and registered mail are covered by compensation system.
It is covered by the compensation system.
Please contact the post office in charge of delivery to ask for the procedure for compensation.
Not only the content but also the exterior (damaged packages) becomes necessary for compensation procedure. Please keep them.Postal item (letters, postcards)
We are sorry. Items not sent as registered mail or cash on delivery are uncovered by compensation system.
Cash on delivery is unavailable for postal envelope, postcard and ID confirmation delivery service (conveying specific details).Postal items other than above
Please check the details below.
- I found out today that the content of a Yu-Pack parcel arrived two weeks before was broken. Can I claim for compensation?
Please claim any compensation for the damage of the package within two weeks from receiving the package.
Compensation after receiving the package is unavailable for packages with security service (registered mail) charge applied.
- Yu-Pack is undelivered even after the specified date and hour of delivery. What shall I do?
Please contact the nearest post office in charge of collection and delivery.
The situation of the package is confirmed and the result is informed.The situation of package delivery can be confirmed from the following page.
- A cash on delivery postal item I am not familiar with arrived. What shall I do?
You can refuse receiving cash on delivery postal items that you are not familiar with.
It is confirmed whether item is received at the time of delivery. Please tell the delivering staff or the person in charge at the counter that you are refusing.
Please be careful when receiving
- Please confirm the addressee before receiving parcels sent to your family.
- Receipt can be suspended until confirmation is made. In such case, the parcel is temporarily brought back to the post office until there is a contact from the customer. The retention period due to suspension will be one week.
【Note】
- Post offices cannot return/refund any cash on delivery postal items once the receiver receives it.
When the addressee of the cash on delivery postal item is absent...
Please notify the fact that you ordered cash on delivery items and the following information to your family, and the family member can receive your parcel smoothly.
- Name of the sender
- Content
- Value, etc.
- I affixed a receipt seal and paid the price for cash on delivery, but found out it was fraud after I checked the package. Can I have the money back?
If any products different from those ordered are delivered, we ask the receiver to contact the sender.
We also ask to refuse receiving any product that are not ordered. Please always confirm whether the item is sent according to your request when receiving. Please note that we cannot return/refund any items once the receiver receives it.
We ask the receiver to contact the sender should any items are received by mistake.
In order to prevent troubles
- Please exchange information in details for the following items.
- Please check that the item is a product you have ordered upon receiving by checking the following items.
- Name of the sender
- Product name
- Amount to be collected
- Where should I contact if any products I did not order or a product different from what I ordered arrives?
If any products different from those ordered are delivered, we ask the receiver to contact the sender.
We also ask to refuse receiving any product that are not ordered. Please always confirm whether the item is sent according to your request when receiving. Please note that we cannot return/refund any items once the receiver receives it.
We ask the receiver to contact the sender should any items are received by mistake.
In order to prevent troubles
- Please exchange information in details for the following items.
- Please check that the item is a product you have ordered upon receiving by checking the following items.
- Name of the sender
- Product name
- Amount to be collected
- Can I refuse receiving (return the item) after I paid the money?
Please note that we cannot return/refund any items once the receiver receives it.
If any products different from those ordered are delivered, we ask the receiver to contact the sender.
Please contact the police for any cases suspected of fraud.
- A postal item was delivered lacking a part of content. Where should I contact?
Please contact the call center.
The procedure for "declaration about postal accidents" will be asked to the post office in charge of delivery.Inquiries from customers
Customer Service Center
Phone number
0120-23-28-86 (toll-free)
Call from mobile phone
0570-046-666
(call charge must be paid by the user)Available hours
Weekdays: 8:00 - 22:00
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 9:00 - 22:00*Please make sure to prevent misdialing.
- I deposited multiple Yu-Pack parcels by accidentally affixing wrong labels. What shall I do?
If it is before the delivery of the Yu-Pack parcel, you can request the change of address free of charge.
You need to bring ID verification documents to the post office in charge of collection and delivery in order to request the change of address.Request for the change of address cannot be accepted after delivery. Please contact the nearest post office if you cannot go through the procedure immediately.
- What payment methods are available for sending Yu-Pack parcels?
Payment by cash, payment by affixing postage stamps, post-payment, and payment of postage by the use of franking machine are available.
There is also payment of charges upon arrival, where the receiver pays the fee.- Payment by affixing postage stamps is unavailable at convenience stores.
- Payment of charges upon arrival requires the consent of the addressee.
- Is receipt issued when sending a Yu-Pack parcel?
The "client's copy" of the Yu-Pack label can be used as the receipt. However, it can be issued separately when requested at the time of depositing.
(Receipt cannot be issued at some handling locations.)- Although I affixed a receipt seal and received a Yu-Pack parcel, I decided afterwards that I want to refuse it.
You can refuse receiving only when you fulfill all the following conditions.
- It is delivered at the reception of a place where many people gather with receipt seal affixed.
[Example of places where many people gather]
Those other than the receiver such as custodian receive the item and hand it to the receiver, such as a company, hospital, or housing complex - Refusal of receiving is notified without delay after receiving.
- The item is unopened and there is nothing wrong with the seal.
- Services such as delivery certification, special delivery of civil procedure code documents, and cash on delivery are unused.
- It is delivered at the reception of a place where many people gather with receipt seal affixed.
- Can I specify the preferred delivery hours of Yu-Pack parcel in further details within the designated period of time, such as later in the morning?
We are sorry. The items are delivered within the time period of delivered hours, visiting the address of customers one at a time.
- Is special fee required to send Yu-Pack parcels to remote islands?
No special fee is required to send Yu-Pack parcels to remote islands.
Optional services
Registered mail
- Can express mail and registered mail be deposited at a Yu-Yu counter?
Yes, it can be deposited.
- Can articles and letters be enclosed in currency registration item together with cash?
Yes, they can be enclosed.
Optional service of currency registration can be attached to standard size/nonstandard size postal items to be sent with articles of respective sizes and letters enclosed.
You cannot enclose cash in Yu-Pack parcels.The size of nonstandard size postal items can be checked from the following link.
Size and weight of standard size postal item and nonstandard size postal item
- Can coins also be sent as registered currency?
You can send Japanese coins.
You cannot send only foreign coins.
- Should cash vouchers such as gift certificates and prepaid cards be sent as registered currency?
Cash vouchers cannot be sent as registered currency
They can be sent by enclosing together with cash. It will be the total of cash and the value of gift certificates/prepaid cards.Please send as ordinary registered mail or simplified registration under normal conditions.
- Should items including valuables be sent as registered mail?
Please send valuables as registered mail.
The following link has the list of valuables that must be sent as registered mail.
- Should items sending dollar bills (foreign currency) be sent as currency registration?
Please send foreign bank notes as ordinary registered mail.
- I want to send a congratulatory gift of money in a ceremonial envelope, but it does not fit inside a currency registration envelope. What shall I do?
Please use the large-sized envelope for currency registration (21 yen).
- Can acceptance-recorded mail be applied to registered mail?
Although it cannot be applied, the acceptance is recorded similarly to acceptance-recorded mail.
Acceptance of registered mail is recorded similarly to acceptance-recorded mail.- Can delivery certification be added to an ordinary registered mail item that is already being delivered?
The service can be applied only to ordinary registered mail items deposited within 1 year.
A charge of 480 yen will be necessary.- By what time shall I deposit a test application to be sent to a university in order to make a deadline?
Please use the service to calculate the number of days necessary for delivery.
The rough estimate of what time the application should be deposited to make a deadline can be calculated by subtracting the days required for delivery from the deadline.
Because there is a possibility that the transportation may be delayed due to snowfall, we recommend to send the application early.- I want to confirm whether my test application was received by the university. What shall I do?
Please use the service to calculate the number of days necessary for delivery.
The rough estimate of what time the application should be deposited to make a deadline can be calculated by subtracting the days required for delivery from the deadline.
Because there is a possibility that the transportation may be delayed due to snowfall, we recommend to send the application early.- What does "handled as the same category" in the discount condition of registered mail mean?
It means that the items fall under the same category of special handling.
When sending items deposited simultaneously as specially handled items, they must all be the same category of special handling.- I want to send an important postal item. Is there any recommended method?
Please use registered mail.
Process from acceptance to delivery is recorded, and the amount of actual damage is compensated as a general rule within the declared amount of insured value if the postal items (excluding Yu-Pack parcels) are damaged or unsent.
It is also delivered by hand with a receipt seal or signature required when received.
Express mail
- Can express mail and registered mail be deposited at a Yu-Yu counter?
Yes, it can be deposited.
- How much does express mail cost?
Postage of the postal item + express mail charge = total postage.
Express mail charge depends on the weight of the postal item.- When will an express mail deposited today arrive?
Please use the service for which checking the scheduled delivery date of express mail is easy.
- Is express mail delivered also on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays?
Yes, it is delivered.
- Is express mail delivered via hand?
Although it is delivered via hand as a general rule, it is delivered to the mailbox when the receiver is absent.
- When an item does not fit in a mailbox, or when the item is registered mail, a non-delivery notice is inserted.
Inquiry by Phone
For inquiries by phone on International Mail, please call the following numbers. (You cannot call from overseas.)
|
Customer Service Center 0120-23-28-86 (Toll Free) Mobile Phone ： 0570-046-666 (Chargeable call) For English ： 0570-046-111 |
Service Hours
-
General inquiries about postal services, including letter-post, parcels, zip codes, delivery, etc.
Daily 8:00 - 21:00 -
Mimamori Service: Living assistance services provided by the post office (excluding Japan Post Bank and Japan Post Insurance)
Weekdays 9:00 - 19:00
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00 - 17:00
